> Responsible recyclers and refurbishers wipe the data from used devices before selling them on. In these cases, the data is wiped, but cannot be assigned to a new user, making them effectively worthless.
Wait. There is no way to assign a new owner to these machines? If I had an old M1 Macbook that I wanted to give to a relative I wouldn't be able to?
No, if you properly reset the machine (which logs you out of iCloud, turns off find my Mac, etc), there’s no problem in giving the used machine to someone else.
It only fails if you don’t log the machine out. This is to deter theft, since a reset requires the user’s password. If it’s not been reset it’s a brick.
Yes, but if you’re the original owner that shouldn’t be an issue.
The other thing to note is that if the computer hasn’t been signed into iCloud or had Find My Mac turned on, none of this necessary. So someone who’s paranoid about phoning home can probably resell after a simple reformat.
Wait. There is no way to assign a new owner to these machines? If I had an old M1 Macbook that I wanted to give to a relative I wouldn't be able to?